Do I Need THC Addiction Treatment?

Marijuana contains numerous compounds, including THC. If you’ve ever found yourself having to smoke more in order to experience the same high you used to be able to get with a smaller amount of marijuana, you might be concerned that you’re addicted to the substance. In order to address the cravings for more marijuana, you might have wondered: do I need THC addiction treatment at an addiction treatment center?

Is Marijuana Addictive?

There is a mistaken perception that marijuana is not harmful, dangerous, or addictive. Most people who share this belief seem to hone in on the fact that marijuana is a natural substance. It’s important to remember, though, that THC is the compound that causes the mind-altering side effects that occur when an individual consumes the drug.

In spite of the legalization of marijuana in some states for both medicinal and recreational purposes, there is still the fact that science backs up the fact that marijuana is an addictive substance. According to the National Institue on Drug Abuse (NIDA), of those who abuse the drug, about nine percent will also develop an addiction to it.

If marijuana use is started during an individual’s teen years, the risk of developing an addiction jumps to 17 percent. The statistics regarding those people who use the drug every day are even more troubling. Of that group of users, between 25 and 50 percent will become addicted to it.

How Is Marijuana Addictive?

The psychoactive compound in marijuana that is responsible for the euphoric effects the drug has on people, THC, is also the reason for addiction. When marijuana is consumed, THC attaches itself to your brain’s receptors. This results in feelings of relaxation, happiness, and bliss.

Because the THC is manipulating your brain in a chemical manner, it reacts by turning receptors off or shutting them down. This, in turn, alters the brain and its ability to function.

Over an extended period of marijuana use and abuse, your brain might not be able to function at its best unless marijuana is involved. In other cases, you might experience permanent changes in the brain that can never be overcome. If you, or a loved one, notices that you experiencing changes like these after using marijuana, then the answer to the question: do I need THC addiction treatment at an addiction treatment center is yes.

Symptoms That You Are Developing An Addiction To Marijuana

It can sometimes be difficult for a person to realize that they are addicted to a substance like marijuana. This is largely due to the fact that marijuana gives you feelings of pleasure, relaxation, and euphoria.

In many cases, it is those people who are closest to you that start noticing the signs and symptoms that could indicate marijuana addiction. Experiencing any of the signs noted below should prompt you to ask: do I need THC addiction treatment?

These include the following:

Restlessness and irritability

Do you experience restlessness and irritability when you try to stop using marijuana? If so, chances are it’s because your body has built up a tolerance for it.

Cravings for the drug

Developing serious cravings for marijuana is another symptom of addiction. In many cases, these cravings are extremely strong. As a result, they disrupt your work, sleep, hobbies, and other aspects of daily life.

Thinking about your next use

Do you find yourself wondering when and how you can use marijuana again? Then, you’re most likely addicted to the THC that’s in the drug.